The Count’s Youngest Son is a Player

“Hey, did you see the video?”

“Of course. It’s all over the main feed right now.”

“…Man, it’s honestly so embarrassing to watch. I knew politicians were like that, but to think they’d act the same way even here.”

“Hmph. They needed a taste of their own medicine. Who do they think they are, demanding land just like that? All of that was built with our blood, sweat, and tears!”

Wherever players gathered, the recent conference video was the hot topic. The title of the first video that was uploaded was quite blunt.

– The Tyranny of the First Knight Order: Condemning the First Knight Order’s Disregard for Earthlings!

The short video captured the sequence of events at the conference from a third-person perspective. Reactions to the video were divided.

“No matter what, using violence in a conference is wrong. And if they have any consideration for the Earthlings, they should provide proper land until they can adapt!”

Those who made such comments were mostly newbies who had just logged into Connect for the first time.

It made sense for them to side with the Union Government (the alliance of Earth’s governments) since the place in question could potentially be their future home.

On the other hand, those who had settled and experienced life in Connect had completely different opinions.

“They’re nothing but thieves! They should be grateful just to be given a place to stay.”

“That’s ridiculous. More than half of the Monster Forest and plains were developed and managed by us! Who are they to make demands?”

Currently, the ownership of the western Forbidden Zones’ Monster Forest belonged to the First Knight Order. However, they only directly managed key central cities, while the rest was maintained and developed by allied guilds or players.

So, for the players managing those areas, it was only natural to react with anger to such demands. While public opinion seemed divided, time brought about different perspectives.

“But looking at the attendees, it seems most of the national leaders are there. Have they all transitioned to Connect?”

“If you check the Union Government’s temporary homepage, there’s a list. It looks like they just copied the entire roster of various governments. Plus, it appears over 90% of current parliament members have crossed over.”

“Hey, then who’s actually left on Earth?”

“…Exactly.”

The Union Government’s effort to reassure transitioning players with a dedicated homepage backfired. No one expected leaders to sacrifice themselves for the people, like in movies.

But shouldn’t there have been someone left to take responsibility for those who stayed behind?

Of course, it wasn’t a major public issue.

After all, everyone who chose to migrate to Connect had essentially given up on Earth. However, as leaders and representatives elected by their citizens, shouldn’t they have shown some sense of responsibility?

‘If things go south, they’ll probably just look out for themselves again.’

Mistrust was inevitable.

Another thing.

“But is it right for them to be our representatives here?”

“Exactly. They don’t even understand the situation here properly.”

If they had taken the time to study or investigate Connect a bit more deeply, the fiasco at the conference wouldn’t have happened.

“Well, it’s understandable that they were upset, but to challenge the First Knight Order head-on?”

“They say ignorance is bliss, but that was just plain reckless.”

“Honestly, is there any single force that can stand against the First Knight Order right now? Even the kingdoms are wary of Count Raul.”

“By the way, who knew Bernard would be such a monster? Did you see how he made those rankers kneel with just a gaze? That was badass!”

“Honestly, it’s worrying. Having such out-of-touch people as our representatives is a big concern.”

Even for veteran players, this incident was quite shocking. It had been five years since the Connect service began, heading into its sixth year. Many rankers had surpassed the 100-level barrier, reaching the realm of superhumans.

Thus, many thought they could now compete with the NPC superhumans of Connect.

‘It’s clear that not all superhumans are the same.’

Not even engaging directly, but simply through sheer presence and invisible force, Bernard had overwhelmed 50 rankers. It was evident who held the upper hand.

Another issue that surfaced was:

“Who are they to decide whether we cooperate or not?”

“Do they seriously think we would just obey if the Union Government tells us not to cooperate with the First Knight Order?”

The issue of the Union Government’s representation became a hot topic. While it might not bother new players who had just logged into Connect, those who had already established themselves in Connect found the notion laughable.

It might have worked on Earth.

But this was Connect.

Those who had already established their homes and accumulated wealth here had no reason to follow the Union Government. And amidst this chaotic atmosphere, a new notification appeared.

Notice

We extend our gratitude to players for utilizing our official service.

This notice pertains to the scenario 『Settlement』.

All players must register their transfer to their desired faction within one month. Players who do not register their affiliation by the deadline will be designated as ‘Nomads’.

Nomads may be restricted from entering cities or specific locations in each kingdom. Furthermore, nomads will face various disadvantages and will not be protected from external threats.

Once affiliated with a faction, changing your affiliation will not be easy. Please carefully consider your decision. For players wishing to register with established factions in Connect, please submit your documentation to the relevant faction office.

For players wishing to register with player-created factions, please use the transfer registration section in the ‘Community System’.

Players who checked the notice were puzzled. They had been operating just fine without any nationality or affiliation up until now, so why were they suddenly being told to choose a faction?

However, Raul smiled quietly as he read the notice.

‘This was bound to happen.’

When the numbers were small, there was no need to belong to any specific faction. From the kingdoms’ perspective, they just saw the players as affordable and useful mercenaries.

But now the situation had changed. Player influx had increased sharply even before the official service. At that time, Raul had managed the distribution of new players through the Purple Association, preventing any issues.

But now?

Half of the nearly two hundred million existing players had chosen Earth, and nearly four hundred million new players had joined. The sixteen Free Cities were already beyond capacity, nearing the point of functionality collapse.

And while dozens of territories in the four kingdoms had pre-agreed to accommodate the remaining players, it wasn’t enough.

‘Honestly, it’s not sufficient.’

Raul had prepared temporary housing, food, and necessities for the immigrants over several months. But even that had its limits. Raul hadn’t anticipated an influx of nearly four hundred million new players.

Raul wasn’t a philanthropist; he couldn’t feed and house so many people without compensation. From the players’ perspective, they couldn’t stay in temporary housing indefinitely.

They needed new homes and jobs.

For that, they needed to have an affiliation.

‘Things are going to get noisy for a while.’

Raul thought about the upcoming chaos and couldn’t help but smile wryly.

*

– The best choice for the rights and survival of Earthlings. 『Union Government』 is waiting for you.

– A kingdom solely for players that has already achieved independence. Start your new life with the 『Pioneer Association』!

– The kingdom of knights. 『Ruben Kingdom』 welcomes you, immigrants….

– All about mana. Those blessed by magic, come to the 『Leslie Kingdom』….

Various recruitment ads from different factions were pasted on large bulletin boards placed in temporary shelters.

Newspapers in people’s hands contained analytical articles about various factions and the benefits they promised. The newly created dedicated board on the Connect community continuously updated with information for the players.

It wasn’t just the Earth-born factions that wanted new players. The four kingdoms were also promoting through various media and sending officials to the shelters to gauge the atmosphere.

The reason why the entire continent welcomed the new players was due to Connect’s unique situation. Though things seemed stable now, gates and dungeons remained a significant threat.

Numerous young lives were lost in several wars and gate crises, leading to a manpower shortage in every territory.

As a result, many territories were filled with undeveloped, abandoned lands, and there were countless places that could be incorporated into territories if only the monsters were cleared out.

‘Moreover, there was no reason to worry about food.’

The abundant mana flowing through the gates accelerated plant growth, and currently, the Connect continent had more than enough food, to the point where kingdoms and territories had to regulate production to prevent grain prices from collapsing.

There wasn’t a place that wouldn’t welcome the new manpower that could be supported by the system.

Bang!

“What kind of bullshit is this?”

Former US President Hartley Miles slammed the table in frustration. The other national leaders present felt similarly.

“Do they have no common sense? Are they really willing to integrate into a medieval aristocratic society on their own? How can that be a rational decision?”

The reason for his outburst was the results of a public opinion survey displayed on the magic screen. Honestly, the Union Government had been optimistic about the results.

They had fled from Earth to the unfamiliar world of Connect overnight. It was only natural that anxious citizens would look to the governments that had previously protected them for support.

Humans instinctively chose stability over adventure when faced with crisis. So how did these results even come about?

『Player Faction Preference』

Union Government: 15%

Pioneer Association: 8%

Ruben Kingdom: 6%

Brennan Republic: 4.3%

…

…

*Undecided: 55%

“We could understand the Pioneer Association being popular, but how can the four major kingdoms be more favored than us?”

“Perhaps it’s because the rewards promised by the kingdoms are substantial. Honestly, compared to what we can offer….”

The kingdoms already had an abundance of resources. They had vast territories and could offer a variety of benefits. And most importantly, they promised sure safety.

Compared to the Union Government, which hadn’t even properly organized their forces yet, the kingdoms seemed much more stable. In this regard, even the Pioneer Association was appealing.

When the Union Government transitioned to Connect, many national players within the Pioneer Association left. But conversely, many of Earth’s business magnates and celebrities joined the association with their guild members and accumulated gold.

Considering their current financial status and the infrastructure they had built, they had many advantages over the Union Government.

“…The real issue is the large number of undecided individuals.”

A moment of silence filled the meeting room. All the participants’ faces looked grim. The supplementary survey result attached at the bottom of the public opinion poll.

The overwhelming reason why many were undecided:

Because the First Knight Order has not yet opened their immigrant recruitment window.

The players were eagerly waiting for the First Knight Order to begin their recruitment.

* * *

One week remained until the system-mandated deadline for faction selection. And finally, the First Knight Order began accepting immigrants.

『First Autonomous Territory』

This territory, comprising a vast area including the Monster Forest and surrounding plains, was established as an autonomous region.

Though it carried the name of an autonomous territory, the real owner of the land was Raul, and it was under the protection of the First county.

“It’s finally open!”

“Sign up! If you miss it, you’ll be screwed!”

“There’s no choice but to apply here.”

Players flocked to the registration desks, as expected. But things didn’t go as they thought.

“We’re sorry, but your application has been denied.”

“What? Why?”

“A year and a half ago, you were active in the ‘Jaitra Guild’ under the Pioneer Association, correct? Individuals with disqualifying backgrounds cannot be admitted into the First Autonomous Territory.”

“……!”

A significant number of applicants were rejected. Those who had acted hostilely toward the First Knight Order. Those affiliated with the Pioneer Association who had colluded with the Empire.

Individuals with criminal records from Earth. And even those with family members affiliated with other factions. Unlike other factions that accepted anyone who applied, the threshold for entering the First Autonomous Territory was high.

‘No freeloaders allowed. And we will filter out those who could harm the territory.’

For the past three weeks. While other factions were busy with promotional campaigns, Raul and the First Knight Order were meticulously checking the backgrounds of the immigrants.

Despite the strict screening criteria, the number of applicants was overwhelming, leaving Raul with no concerns.

Thus, all the immigrants who transitioned to Connect chose their affiliations and became true residents of Connect.

(To be continued)